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Integrating Nature and Science into Early Childhood Education

Where better to earn your P-Credits than at the Aquarium! With time outdoors and in, this course takes a hands-on approach to support early childhood educators in weaving more science and nature into their classrooms and learning centers. We will break down research and best equitable practices for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved and marginalized, about engaging young children with the scientific process and the natural world. Teachers will be provided with knowledge, strategies, concrete examples, and collaborative workshopping to create practical, inclusive, and realizable plans for bringing nature and science to their preschool and early childhood students. The environment is in desperate need of assistance, kids spend most of their time indoors, and now more than ever, the role of early childhood educators to engage and excite young children about the natural world is critical for the future of our planet! 

In-person at the NY Aquarium 

Urban Ecology and Urban Planning will be explored hand in hand in this 45 hour P-credit course. Through this course we will dig into the historical design and long-lasting impacts of urban planning within New York City, examine urban development decisions from colonial to modern times and discuss the equity issues that can arise from urban planning and decision making. In addition to classroom and zoo grounds explorations covering topics including woodlands ecosystem ecology, water cycles, carbon cycles, and species adaptation to urbanization, one full day of our course will be a walking and learning tour of Lower Manhattan (total walking distance approximately 1.1 miles). During this walking exploration we will examine ecological systems management in NYC including storm water runoff, coastal planning, urban biodiversity, urban population growth, and greenhouse gas emission. As part of the culminating course project, teachers will collaborate to design visions for the future of New York City that effectively address issues explored during the course, utilizing web-based modeling platforms. Teachers can bring all this new knowledge back to their classrooms, supported by our exploration of inquiry teaching and learning methodologies and constructivism, in the design of a lesson or unit for their classrooms that allows students to explore issues of urban ecology.  

In-person at the Bronx Zoo, with one day offsite in Manhattan 

This P-Credit and CTLE course for elementary and middle school teachers is a creative way to integrate multiple subjects and research-based pedagogical strategies to teach science! Learning experiences align with NYS Elementary Science Standards and Common Core Learning Standards, to help teachers strengthen their content knowledge of animal habitats, evolution, biology, and ecology. Teachers will also develop pedagogical skills like utilizing inquiry-based learning and teaching for conceptual change to enhance students’ understanding of life science. In addition, teachers will develop specific strategies to highlight the impact that human activities can have on wildlife and wild places in a way that inspires students to take conservation action. Finally, teachers will learn how to utilize the exhibit spaces at the zoo, as well as online animal webcams, to support authentic learning. Each teacher will receive WCS Curriculum and supplemental resources to help encourage students to explore the richness of ecology– both in the classroom and in a local park, nature center, or zoo. 

In-person at the Bronx Zoo 

Predators can carry many misconceptions and their behaviors are often misinterpreted. Join us at the Bronx Zoo as we debunk and reconstruct some common perceptions. Grade 3-6 teachers, earn CTLE hours and P-credits in this blended science and social studies course by taking a look back through history, exploring indigenous perspectives, and examining what has influenced our relationships with predators. Get hands on creating and modeling environmental dramas, that will help inspire students of all ages to appreciate predators and help protect them. 

In-person at the Bronx Zoo 

Our Changing Planet: Climate Change and Wildlife Connections 

This course is intended to improve participants’ climate literacy and ability to communicate about issues surrounding climate change, particularly as they relate to wildlife. Participants will understand the drivers and impacts of human-caused climate change, and will explore the mitigation and adaptation strategies being employed by WCS. Additionally, participants will engage in discussions and reading analyses to explore how climate change impacts humans and wildlife – topics such as conservation decision making, applications of climate science in the classroom, government involvement in changing climate, and personal environmental responsibility will all be explored.  
 
This course will help participants better understand concepts in science, instill the values of environmental conservation, and inspire them to share their expertise and enthusiasm with students and colleagues. Participants will receive instructional resources they may use immediately, to supplement their curriculum as well as promote student interest and engagement in learning. Course activities and assignments will encourage participants to explore different methods of science instruction and discover the value of teaching Climate Change science across the disciplines. The content will be differentiated to accommodate a diverse audience; from those with little experience teaching and learning in science to those who are professional science educators. 

In-person at the NY Aquarium 

Small Bugs, Big Science    

“Bugs” are everywhere and are a fabulous gateway to the natural world. This P-Credit and CTLE course for pre-k and elementary teachers will help you dive into the miniature world of bugs to build on your own and your student’s cultural perspective towards bugs, to foster positive attitudes towards the amazing world of insects and the important role they play in the environment and our own lives. Learn how to cover language arts, math, social studies, and life science standards in fun, interactive ways, even in a remote world. You will explore the biology behind these amazing animals, from life cycles to coloration, and take away tips and tricks for making your classroom activities, (in-person or remote) into a very buggy adventure! 

In-person at the Bronx Zoo 

Use real world science and conservation stories to engage your students with core science and engineering standards! Using WCS digital resources, you will explore how conservationists around the world engage in science, community, and redefining learning. This is a series of five workshops, book 1 or all 5, whatever you choose! Each workshop day will be hosted by a different WCS wildlife park to highlight the conservation connections we have in our own urban backyards. 

Skills to Advocate for Conservation - Saturday, May 11, 2024
Listening is just as important as speaking when it comes to genuine communication. In this day’s workshop, practice the skills involved in collecting evidence and building effective arguments to achieve shared goals. 
In-person at the New York Aquarium. 

Using Scientific Methods - Sunday,  June 23, 2024
While we might be very familiar with the classic linear scientific method, science and learning truly do not fit in one box. Through structured and unstructured exploration, we will explore how learning is iterative due to us always adapting with new information that leads to refining and asking new questions. 
In-person at the Queens Zoo.

Exploring Creativity in Zoos: Integrating Art, Theatre, and Wildlife Education in Early Childhood 

Join us for this course for CTLE hours, which combines strategies for fostering creativity through art and theatre with the unique educational opportunities offered by zoos. Early childhood educators will learn how to incorporate artistic expression and dramatic play utilizing centers that incorporate multiple modalities within the context of conservation and zoo-based learning experiences. Educators will engage in immersive experiences that are easily and immediately transferable to their classrooms. 

In-Person at the Bronx Zoo 

Teaching with Hope: Using Storytelling and Creative Writing to Explore Conservation Issues 

Harness the power of stories and storytelling to teach kids about conservation issues in a realistic, yet optimistic, way. In this workshop, for 6 CTLE hours, participants will learn how to counteract “doom and gloom” messaging with stories of hope that highlight people taking action, including kids, to make a difference.  We will explore a variety of resources that can be incorporated into elementary and middle school classrooms and discuss how to creatively combine ELA and science content to get kids to care without feeling hopeless about issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. Participants will use zoo resources to undertake their own exploration of nature and creative writing activity. We will also discuss ways to connect urban and suburban kids with nature through their own experiences and stories, and how inspiring creativity can lead to local conservation action. 

In-person at the Bronx Zoo

Spend the night with the fishes and earn up to 10 CTLE hours while you do it! We will begin our overnight adventure as the aquarium begins to close, giving you exclusive access to the aquarium after dark! Your overnight adventure will include activities that provide engaging learning opportunities you can take back to your students, animal encounters, dinner, pub trivia (drinks included), and a continental breakfast. Bring your sleeping bag or air mattress to set up inside the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, and we’ll provide a night you’ll never forget! 

May 4-5, 2024 at the NY Aquarium